outdoor activities
Tonight is the peak of the Ursid Meteor Shower
The Ursids is a low intensity meteor shower that peaks around the winter solstice and it generally goes by unnoticed due its occurrence during the holiday season.
Last Updated on November 19, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Ursid
The Ursids is a low intensity meteor shower that peaks around the winter solstice and it generally goes by unnoticed due its occurrence during the holiday season. The hourly rate of visible meteors is low, especially compared to that of the Geminid shower, which peaked generally close the same time period, the week before.
The Ursid (URS) meteor activity begins annually around December 17 and runs for over a week, until the 25th or 26th. This meteor shower is named for its radiant point, which is located near the star Beta Ursae Minoris (Kochab) in the constellation Ursa Minor.
The parent of the Ursid meteor show is comet 8P/Tuttle.
Depending on where you live, if live in light pollution free area, you are willing to brave the frigid temperature and, by a stroke luck, you get a break in the winter storms that are occurring around the United States and Canada, then take a look. The peak of the Urids 2022 will occur during a near new phase of the Moon.
Watch for Ursid meteors on December 22 and 23, before dawn.
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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Naturist Blog
STM Daily News Launches “Naturists News” — A Dedicated Hub for the Naturist Community
A new platform dedicated to delivering news specifically for naturists has launched. Interested individuals are encouraged to sign up for the newsletter to stay informed. Visit the provided link for more information and updates.
Last Updated on October 20, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The “News For Naturists” section of STM Daily News offers a welcoming and respectful space for those who embrace naturism, body-positivity and clothing-optional recreation. This curated hub features articles on the history of social nudity, naturist travel and resort experiences, and the broader wellness and community benefits of living naturally and comfortably in our own skin. For readers interested in deeper engagement, you’ll find useful links to major organizations and venues such as the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) (advocating nudist rights and affiliated clubs) , The Naturist Society (TNS) (promoting body acceptance and naturist education) , and respected resorts like Laguna del Sol in California and Mira Vista Resort in Arizona , where the naturist lifestyle is embraced in a family-friendly, non-sexualized environment. Whether you’re new to the naturist community or a longtime member, our page connects you to news, resources and destinations that embody the freedom, respect and ease of clothes-free recreation.
List of 10 reputable organizations, clubs and resorts that support naturism or clothing-optional recreation
1. American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) – https://www.aanr.com/
Founded in 1931, AANR is one of the largest and longest-established naturist organizations in North America, representing hundreds of affiliated clubs, resorts and businesses.
**2. The Naturist Society (TNS) – https://www.naturist.com/
An American naturist membership organization that promotes body-acceptance and nude recreation as a positive lifestyle choice.
**3. Naturist Action Committee, Inc. (NAC) – https://naturistaction.org/
A non-profit that focuses on political advocacy and the receptive use of public lands for nude recreation.
**4. International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) – https://inf-fni.org/
The global federation of naturist organizations; a good resource for international clubs, events and federations.
**5. Laguna del Sol Resort – https://www.lagunadelsol.com/
A premier clothing-optional resort in California (250 acres near Sacramento), welcoming singles, couples and families.
**6. Cypress Cove Nudist Resort – https://www.cypresscoveresort.com/
Family-friendly resort in Florida, offering accommodations, RV/camp options, and a large lake setting.
**7. Glen Eden Sun Club – https://www.gleneden.com/
Southern California resort & RV park (154 acres) offering a naturist environment midway between Los Angeles and San Diego.
**8. Rock Lodge Club – https://www.rocklodge.com/
One of the oldest family-friendly nudist clubs in the U.S., located in the New Jersey Highlands.
**9. Star Ranch Nudist Club – https://starranch.net/
A friendly Texas-based family nudist club offering outdoor pool, cabins, camping and social activities.
**10. Cedar Trails Nudist Retreat – https://www.cedartrailsnudistretreat.com/
A 60-acre naturist retreat in southeast Ohio with hiking trails, heated swimming pool, cabins, camping and more.
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astronomy for hobbyist
🌠 How to See a Comet Tonight Over Phoenix — Your Binocular Guide to the October Sky
Comet Night: Tonight in Phoenix, skywatchers can observe two comets, C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN). Both are visible through binoculars, with Lemmon potentially seen unaided under dark skies around 7:00 PM.
Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Phoenix skywatchers are in for a treat tonight as not one, but two comets — C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) and C/2025 R2 (SWAN) — make their way across the evening sky. Both are now bright enough to be seen through a good pair of binoculars, and one may even flirt with naked-eye visibility under dark conditions.
If you’ve ever wanted to catch a comet without fancy equipment, tonight’s your chance.
🌌 What You’ll See
Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been gaining brightness through October and now glows with a faint greenish hue, a sign of vaporized gases and carbon compounds in its tail. Under Phoenix’s clear skies, you may spot it as a fuzzy, glowing patch — brighter than most surrounding stars when viewed through binoculars.
The second visitor, Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2), is also within binocular range, adding to this rare double-comet spectacle. Though smaller and dimmer than Lemmon, it’s still worth the hunt.
🕗 When and Where to Look
- Best viewing time: About 30–60 minutes after sunset (roughly between 7:00 and 7:30 PM in Phoenix).
- Comet Lemmon: Look toward the northwest to west horizon, about midway between the bright star Arcturus and the handle of the Big Dipper.
- Comet SWAN: Scan the southwest sky, just above where the Sun has recently set.
Both comets will be low on the horizon, so find an open spot with no buildings or trees blocking your view.
🔭 Tips for Best Viewing
- Use binoculars (7×50 or 10×50 are ideal).
- Step away from bright city lights — South Mountain, Papago Park, or the outskirts of Phoenix offer better visibility.
- Allow your eyes 10–15 minutes to adjust to darkness.
- Bring a stargazing app (like Sky Tonight or Star Walk 2) and search the comet names to track them in real-time.
- If you have a tripod, use it — even slight hand movements can blur the view.
🌙 What to Expect
Comets aren’t as bright or defined as the ones we see in movies. Through binoculars, expect a small, glowing orb with a hint of a tail — especially for Lemmon. As the comet continues to approach the Sun in late October, it may brighten even further.
For many observers, simply knowing you’re seeing an object that’s traveled millions of miles through space makes the experience unforgettable.
⚠️ A Few Things to Note
- Visibility can change night to night depending on brightness, weather, and moonlight.
- If clouds or haze roll in, try again over the next few evenings — both comets will remain visible for several more nights.
- Don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot it immediately — comet hunting takes patience, but the reward is worth it.
📸 Share the Moment
If you manage to snap a photo of Comet Lemmon or SWAN from Phoenix, tag @stmdailynews on social media and use #STMSkyWatch — we might feature your photo in an upcoming article.
For more astronomy updates, local skywatching events, and science news, visit STM DailyNews Astronomy.
About the Comets
- How to See Rare Comet Lemmon During Its Once-in-a-Lifetime Visit – People
- Comet Lemmon: How and When to Watch – Wired
- Two Bright, Once-in-a-Lifetime Comets Visible This Month – Washington Post
- Comet Lemmon Shines in October Skies – Astronomy.com
- How to See Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) in October – Space.com
- Comet SWAN 2025: What to Expect – EarthSky.org
Skywatching Tools
- Sky Tonight – Stargazing App (App Store)
- Star Walk 2 – Interactive Astronomy Guide
- Heavens-Above: Current Comet Positions
For Phoenix Skywatchers
- Phoenix Clear Sky Chart – Weather for Astronomers
- Phoenix Light Pollution Map – Dark Site Finder
- Arizona Science Center – Astronomy Events
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astronomy for hobbyist
🌠 Draconid Meteor Shower 2025: The Last Outburst Until 2078!
The Draconid Meteor Shower 2025 peaks on October 8 — possibly the last major outburst until 2078. Learn how, when, and where to watch this rare celestial event.
Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Daily News Staff
October 7, 2025
This October, skywatchers are in for a rare celestial show — one that won’t happen again for more than 50 years. The Draconid Meteor Shower is expected to put on a spectacular display on the evening of October 8, 2025, marking what astronomers predict could be the last major Draconid outburst until 2078.
🐉 What Are the Draconids?
The Draconids, sometimes called the Giacobinids, are born from dust and debris left behind by Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. As Earth passes through the comet’s trail each October, the tiny fragments enter our atmosphere and burn up — creating bright streaks across the night sky.
Unlike most meteor showers that peak after midnight, the Draconids are best viewed right after sunset, when the constellation Draco the Dragon lies high in the northern sky.
“The Draconids are a bit of an oddball among meteor showers,” notes astronomer Peter Jenniskens. “They can go from almost nothing one year to a full-on meteor storm the next.”
🌌 When and Where to Watch
- Peak Date: October 8, 2025
- Peak Time: Around 7:00 PM UTC (early evening in North America and Europe)
- Active Period: October 6–10
- Best Viewing: Just after nightfall, facing northwest
This year’s shower comes with a catch — a bright full moon will be illuminating the sky, potentially washing out fainter meteors. Still, the brighter fireballs should be visible to the naked eye, especially from rural areas away from city lights.
💥 Why 2025 Is Special
Astronomers predict that in 2025, Earth will pass through dense trails of comet debris ejected during 21P/Giacobini-Zinner’s 2005 and 2012 orbits.
Models suggest a possible meteor outburst — perhaps as many as 150 to 400 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Most of these will likely be faint, but a few bright “dragon fireballs” could stand out even in moonlight.
This will likely be the last significant Draconid outburst until 2078, as gravitational interactions — particularly with Jupiter — will soon pull the comet’s debris field away from Earth’s orbital path.
“The next time Earth crosses this kind of rich dust trail from Comet 21P will be decades away,” said meteor researcher Esko Lyytinen. “This is one of the last chances this century to see a strong Draconid display.”
🔭 Viewing Tips
- Go dark: Find a spot away from city lights.
- Look north: Aim your gaze near the constellation Draco, though meteors can appear anywhere.
- Be patient: Let your eyes adjust to the darkness for at least 20 minutes.
- Bring comfort: A reclining chair, blanket, and a warm drink go a long way.
- Watch early: Unlike other showers, Draconids are best seen right after dusk.
🌠 A Dragon’s Last Roar
The Draconids have a history of surprises — outbursts in 1933 and 1946 produced thousands of meteors per hour, while other years offered only a few. Whether 2025 brings a brief flare or a full-blown celestial storm, it’s a chance to witness a piece of cosmic history.
So mark your calendars for October 8, step outside after sunset, and watch as Draco breathes his last fiery breath — at least, until 2078.
🔗 Related Reading
- Starwatch: Draconids meteor shower promises an early-evening treat – The Guardian
- How to Watch the Draconid Meteor Shower This Week – People
- Dramatic Fireballs Expected During Draconid Meteor Shower – Live Science
- Everything You Need to Know About the Draconids – EarthSky
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